You've just wrapped up your Junior year in high school, and while the summer months are perfect for relaxing, traveling, and hanging with friends, it's a wise decision to put some of your time towards getting ready for college.

Follow these tips and tricks to prep yourself for the college admissions process, so that you'll be not only ahead of the game, but so that you'll have less stress when it's time to really dig in and get to work on your applications.

1. Attend an ACT/SAT camp, take a class, or hire a tutor. When the standardized tests come back around, will you be ready?

2. Get an internship or a summer job. Perhaps look for something that you would possibly be interested in studying once you get to college. Or go the other direction and looks to have a whole new experience. And yes, a little money in your pocket does not hurt.

4. Head out to visit colleges. The adventure can be a ton of fun, and you'll get to see the schools on your list first-hand, learning if the campus - and it's location - is right for you.

5. Make connections. Build out your online profile, join LinkedIn, follow and build a relationship on social media with a number of colleges.

6. Work on your college essay. Set aside some quiet time to get the creative juices flowing, and begin drafting your essay. You may find that not having other school-work to attend to will make writing in the summer that much easier. And keep in mind - with a 650 word limit for the Common App essay, you'll need to be a descriptive as possible while being as concise as possible.

7. Connect with your parents. Make sure that you are all on the same page with this college process. It's a big decision, and your decision, so make sure that you review your train of thought with them. And yes, this includes developing a financial aid plan!

8. Summer reading. On a beach, in the shade, in the quiet of your own home...summer reading can be a terrific (and relaxing) activity.

With any questions on the college process, from essay writing to financial aid, do not hesitate to contact us at info@leonardandrew.com!